Three for the Road: The Ultimate Stop for Tahoe-Bound Foodies

Mmmmmmm ... Masullo!

Though I’m not knocking a good double cheeseburger, if you’re headed up to Tahoe for a snowy three-day getaway, there’s better eating to be done along the way than at the In-n-Out in Auburn. In fact, if you stop in Sacramento—which is just about halfway there—you have some great options just five minutes off the freeway in the historical neighborhood of Land Park.

Here, are very trustworthy options, all within walking distance of each other.

Masullo
This Slow Food Snail-approved pizzeria complete with communal tables made of reclaimed wood uses ingredients from both the family’s garden and local farmers, all doused with olive oil from Frate Sole out of Woodland. Owned by Robert Masullo, the chef makes charred wood-fired pizzas that will make any SF pizza snob feel right at home. Try the Gilda, the Lotte and the Mustapha. (The Portuguese clam chowder here is also popular and the perfect cold weather pick-me-up.) Closed Sundays. 2711 Riverside Blvd., 916-442-8929

Vic's Ice Cream
Just a few blocks away, dessert awaits. (If you’ve got kids, ice cream is in year-round demand, no matter how cold it is.) Started 1947, this Sacramento favorite has 29 flavors. Grab an ice cream sandwich to go. 3199 Riverside Blvd., 415-448-0892

Temple Coffee
Coffee for the road. Annually voted the best in Sacramento, this should satiate the Third Wavers. French press, rare beans. You know the ropes. 2829 S St., 916-454-1272

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By vamp (not verified) on March 26, 2012

Great idea. Always looking for another option. Doesn't look like it's far off fwy. Just called Masullo Pizza to see if they have take-out instead of ordering in and the girl who answered told me I could just call in advance with the time I want my pizza ready to be boxed. I'm in!

By Ethan (not verified) on January 20, 2011

If you want to eat earlier in your trip why not indulge at Fenton's (at Nut Tree) in Vacaville. Great burgers, sandwiches sides but best of all: their ice cream sundaes!!
http://www.fentonscreamery.com/

By Oaktown Foodie (not verified) on January 20, 2011

Always a great topic... Here's a link to the Tahoe trip food map we did last year on SFGate's Slope Dope... http://bit.ly/9jMnDt

By Al (not verified) on January 20, 2011

Murder Burger, duh.

By Anonymous (not verified) on January 20, 2011

I agree with Zenvelo. I'd like to know of some better Auburn options. I'm tired of Ikeda's, another popular stop along the way, but I'll take it over In 'n Out.

By Seth (not verified) on January 20, 2011

Great ideas for a stop. I usually take Business 80 to avoid some of the backup before Roseville which puts me a stones throw from Land Park.

Also, In n Out really sucks these days. The FF's are totally tasteless and the burger is just ok. I think a lot of people are brainwashed into thinking In n Out is the best thing since sliced bread. And btw, New Years weekend return to Bay Area at the Auburn In n Out took almost an hour to order and eat (despite my disdain for InO, family pressure made me stop).

By Kazi (not verified) on January 20, 2011

I lived in Land Park for quite some time. I disagree that it's not convenient to stop - it's literally just off Highway 50, before the exit to 80E to Reno. All of these places are on main roads very close to the highway.

Each are FANTASTIC! Vic's also has some good classic American fare for dinner.

By Land Park Lover (not verified) on January 20, 2011

this is great if I want to eat a slow meal in Sacto; not so great if I am on my way to Tahoe. It's not quick, which is important on a dash to the lake, but more importantly, it's not strategically placed on the route.

It's awful to stop before the general madness of the North Highlands/Roseville/Rocklin traffic jam. The beauty of eating in Auburn is you can relax knowing the flatlands are behind and you can shift to your mountain driving strategies.

And if I really want a slow relaxing meal, I'll drive through with no meal and eat at a nice restaurant in Truckee or Tahoe City.

By zenvelo (not verified) on January 20, 2011

If it ain't In-n-Out, it ain't worth the stop.....

By Shalke (not verified) on January 20, 2011

Yes! I love Peking Restaurant. Been going there for over 25 years!

By Ann (not verified) on January 19, 2011

File under place to try once you move to Sacramento...

By Kerry (not verified) on January 18, 2011

My personal favorite is Sudwerk in Davis.
http://www.sudwerk.com/

By Jeremy (not verified) on January 18, 2011

How about Peking Restaurant in Fairfield? I always stop there add gas at Arco and eat the best Chinese food ever!

By Anonymous (not verified) on January 18, 2011